Dubai Cares emphasizes the importance of literacy in eradicating poverty on International Literacy Day

250 million children around the world cannot read or write well; 57 million primary aged children are out of school

On the occasion of International Literacy Day, Dubai Cares, the UAE-based philanthropic organization working to improve children’s access to quality primary education in developing countries, has reinforced its commitment to ensure that every child around the world receives a quality primary education.

Today, 250 million children around the world cannot read or write well. Furthermore, 57 million primary aged children are out of school. Through its global efforts, Dubai Cares is reaching over 8 million children in 31 developing countries, with the aim of arming future generations in the fight against poverty, instability, inequality and prejudice, through quality primary education.

On this occasion, Tariq Al Gurg, Chief Executive Officer of Dubai Cares said: “Our focus on literacy goes beyond ensuring that children are skilled in reading, writing and counting. There is a clear correlation between illiteracy, poverty and prejudice. Through our ongoing efforts targeting both boys and girls, we are creating a model whereby future generations can benefit from the positive social and economic impact of education.”

“We see literacy as the stepping stone to higher education, valuable opportunities, personal development and social success. Providing children with access to primary schooling ensures that they obtain the basic skills required to take the first steps towards autonomy and independence. Children in several developing countries face challenging environments, including fierce opposition to schooling from the family and community. To tackle such issues, we work with our local and international partners to create a positive, motivating and enabling environment that children and the local community can benefit from, both on the short and long term.”

Dubai Cares’ mission to increase children’s access to quality primary education is realized through integrated programs that eliminate the underlying obstacles that prevent children from going to school and learning. This is achieved through school feeding, deworming activities, early childhood education, curriculum development, literacy and numeracy through teacher training, building and renovating schools and classrooms as well as Water, Sanitation and Hygiene in schools.